10/29/2009 | Versatile new screw jacks lift large loads in confined spaces

LOEFFINGEN, GERMANY - A new precision machined worm screw jack from Thomson [in the Black Forest, Germany] provides powerful, reliable lifting and positioning in a compact form factor, making it a very versatile component for materials handling, hydraulic replacement and complex positioning systems.

The Muli 0 worm gear screw jack extends the Muli series from Thomson , and is designed specifically to save space where its Muli and Jumbo 1-5 range cannot be used. Despite its comparatively small housing dimensions of 60x50x50 mm (L x W x H), the Muli 0 delivers a lifting force of 2.5 kN that enables its tried-and-tested Muli technology - a proven, robust precision worm-gear and lead screw technology - to be used in more space critical or complex multi-axis systems.

Muli worm gear screw jacks are suitable for a very broad range of applications where the lifting, lowering, tilting or rotating of loads is required. They provide particularly high lifting forces and adjustment speeds with a proven track record for reliability and low maintenance costs. The Muli 0 is available in both axially shifting (optionally torsionally rigid) screw, and rotating screw models. The screw itself can be specified with a cost effective trapezoidal thread, or with high precision ball screws and preloaded low backlash options that cater for a very broad field of application.

Worm gear screw jacks are the workhorse for materials handling in plants, such as the printing and paper industry, automotive production, steelworks, as well as for plant staging and throughout the medical engineering and the packaging industry due to their consistent reliability and robust operation.

Hydraulic replacement is another area where these versatile worm screw jacks are increasingly specified. Long- term operating costs can be reduced by using electromechanical solutions that are based on an electric motor and worm gear screw jacks. One reason for this is that hydraulic systems can become contaminated resulting in costly oil changes and environmentally friendly oil disposal, whereas the maintenance costs incurred by worm gear screw jacks are extremely low. However, the real value lies in the technical advantages for machine builders, which include ergonomic design, space savings and improved controllability which are also enhanced by the compact new Muli 0 jack.

Today, there is a clear shift in the application of worm screw jacks from just handling applications, with new industries turning their attention towards these electro-mechanical solutions. For example, Thomson worm gear screw jacks are now being used for “solar tracking” to dynamically align solar panels with the Sun, guaranteeing maximum energy output. They are also used for wafer handling in the semiconductor industry. High-precision ball screw versions with specialised gearheads are even being used for precision handling at space engineering facilities.

Through its Muli and Jumbo series, the company offers a worm gear screw jack range for reliable handling of loads ranging from 2.5 to 500 kN. All models are designed for both compressive and tensile forces and load- independent functions. Their cubic housing design makes them easy to mount and the systems can be easily synchronised for multidimensional lifting and positioning systems using an extensive range of accessories. A vast selection of gearhead types and sizes allows substantial loads to be moved at high lifting speeds. Standardised mounting parts and final fittings such as prepared flange holes enable straightforward mounting of motors, gearheads and rotary encoders.

The Thomson Muli 0 is available from today through the Worldwide Thomson sales network.

Thomson offers complete turnkey screw jack systems with service and support. Its experienced team consistently builds turn-key modular assemblies for customers in all industries with the support of the worldwide sales and support network, comprehensive product range and custom manufacturing facilities of Thomson.

About Thomson
With more than 60 years of motion control innovation and quality, Thomson is the industry’s premier producer of Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings and Profile Rail Bearings, 60 Case? Shafting, ground and rolled Ball Screws, Linear Actuators, Gearheads, Clutches, Brakes, Linear Systems, and related accessories. Thomson invented the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, and has set the standard ever since with an unsurpassed set of mechanical motion control solutions serving global commercial and aerospace & defense markets. Thomson Industries, Inc. has facilities in North America, Europe and Asia with over 2000 distributor locations around the world.

Thomson, 1500?Mittel Boulevard, Wood Dale, IL 60191-1073; 1-540-633-3549; 1-540-633-0294 (fax);?Thomson@thomsonlinear.com; www.thomsonlinear.com.